Economic Development

Whether relocating, expanding, seeking new opportunities, or just visiting, Zorra is a great place to be. Located in Southwestern Ontario, Zorra is strategically located to serve the commercial, industrial and residential needs of the people within the region. Easy access to markets is available through the 401, 402 and 403 highways, connecting Zorra to major cities throughout Ontario and the US. Home to some of the best agricultural land in Canada, Zorra offers a scenic landscape of rolling hills, farms and rivers.

The two serviced villages of Embro and Thamesford offer a variety of businesses and services, allowing for convenience in a rural setting. The Township of Zorra has a diversified economy, with the majority of businesses in the agricultural, construction, retail trade and transportation industries. The Township contains many community groups that are dedicated to improving and maintaining the quality of life in their Townships.

Driving Distances:

Kitchener/Waterloo - 1 hour

London - 30 minutes

Stratford - 40 minutes

Sarnia - 1 hour, 30 minutes

Toronto - 2 hours

Buffalo - 3 hours

Detroit - 3 hours

The Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation (ROEDC)

The Township of Zorra has partnered with the Townships of East Zorra-Tavistock, Norwich and South-West Oxford to form an economic development corporation to serve rural Oxford. The Rural Oxford Economic Development Corporation (ROEDC) has been established to direct the overall economic development direction and activities for Rural Oxford. Established throughout 2013-14, the Board has finalized incorporation, engaged an economic development professional to lead the organization, and is now ready to implement strategies to support rural business growth.

Business Retention and Expansion

In 2011-2012, the Township of Zorra partnered with the rural Oxford townships (Blandford-Blenheim, East Zorra-Tavistock, Norwich and South-West Oxford) to create ROED, Rural Oxford Economic Development. This was a temporary project which created a Business Retention and Expansion project to enhance local businesses and economic prosperity.

The program worked to improve the competitiveness of local businesses by addressing their concerns and needs through a confidential interview process. The interview process was a structured visitation program that included a survey conducted by volunteers to identify issues and opportunities. The analysis of the survey results was used to develop a series of strategic actions that will assist to address the concerns indicated within the survey.

The overall goals of conducting a BR+E are as follows:

• Address urgent business issues

• Improve and grow the relationships between local businesses and the community

South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation

The South Central Ontario Region (SCOR) Economic Development Corporation is a regional partnership comprised of the County of Brant, Elgin County, Middlesex County, Norfolk County and Oxford County. SCOR was incorporated in 2010 as a means to provide planning and coordination for regional issues, implement regional economic development priorities, identify funding sources and to partner with other levels of government, and act as a regional catalyst for investment.

Visit SCOR's website to view various studies, annual reports and quarterly reports, as well as other useful links and information.